The No. 13 UCF track and field team continued to roll at the NCAA Outdoor Championships as four Knights earned All-American distinction and two school records fell in day two of action Thursday.
Senior Jackie Coward advanced to Saturday’s finals in the 100 hurdles by besting her own school record by .06 with a qualifying time of 12.81 (+1.7). The blistering performance was the third-quickest of her heat and the fourth-fastest time overall as she heads into the finals looking to medal once again in the event.
Freshman Octavious Freeman advanced to Saturday’s finals of the 200 meters by topping her own school record, freshman record and personal record in the event with a time of 22.74 (+1.9). Her performance was the fastest by a freshman on Thursday, the third-fastest time in her heat and the seventh-fastest overall.
Sophomore Aurieyall Scott secured All-American Second Team distinction with her all-conditions personal-best time of 22.76 (+2.2). Although Scott finished among the semifinals’ top eight spots, Texas A&M’s Ashley Collier’s automatic qualifying time of 23.01 as the second-fastest performance of the third heat edged Scott for a place in the finals.
Senior Sheila Paul also took All-America honorable mention recognition in the 200m with a time of 23.65 (+1.9) for 21st overall.
Senior Jacquelyn Gilchrist wrapped up her career by becoming the 13th athlete in school history to earn All-American honors. Gilchrist claimed second team laurels after her personal-best outing in the long jump with a mark of 6.25m/20-6.25 (+1.7) for 13th place. It capped a memorable season for the senior, who improved her personal record on four occasions throughout the year.
Junior Sonnisha Williams also earned the third All-American honor of her career with a spot on the second team thanks to her 14th-place performance in the long jump with a leap of 6.19m/20-3.75 (+1.5).
Freeman and Scott will be UCF’s only competitors Friday when they look to make some noise in the 100-meter finals at 7:02 p.m. eastern. The event will be streamed live online and is available for free on ESPN3.com. In addition, ESPNU will televise Saturday’s action from noon until 2 p.m. ET.